Asisat Oshoala believes Nigeria can defend the WAFCON trophy

The West African side were crowned 2024 WAFCON champions in Morocco last year after coming from behind to beat the hosts 3-2 at the Stade Olympique in Rabat.

The Super Falcons are placed in Group C alongside Egypt, Malawi and Zambia.

Speaking in a CAF webinar, Oshoala also urged the fans to come to the stadiums to watch the games.

“I'm looking forward to Nigeria winning it again. Of course, it’s something that we always have to fight for but I feel like in each edition there is always improvement in terms of on the pitch and off the pitch,” Oshoala said.

READ: Pep Guardiola emerges as shock Italy coach candidate

“I really want to see more fans out there and the last edition was great, especially on the internet, we are talking about the media side right now. I think it was better than the previous ones. 

“I think if there could be more promotion for this one, it will help a lot to preach more about African football because no matter how much awareness, there are still other places that we have to try and reach. 

“For example, players who play in America, players who play in other countries, they should also be asking their clubs and their teammates to watch them when they are playing live. This is something that I think that can help other players to be more exposed. Also, the stadium, I mean the final was amazing but before the final the stadium wasn’t really packed.”

The record six-time African Footballer of the year started playing for Nigeria in the junior ranks and was the top goalscorer at the 2014 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and was named the best player of the tournament.

She still believes however that there are still a lot of stereotypes around young girls playing sports especially football.

“In Africa we still have families that restrict their kids (girls) from playing football, not just football but sport as a whole. It’s something that I also experienced growing up. My parents would say, ‘no you can’t do this, you are a girl,’ she added.

“Right now, you see families, you see people texting you on Instagram saying things like, my daughter plays football, can she come to your academy. I think the game has gone past the point where a lot of girls have to fight, I think people do obviously still fight but it has gotten better.”